What Makes Curly Hair Curly?

Curly hair gets its unique shape from a combination of factors, primarily the shape of the hair follicle and the distribution of keratin.

The Science Behind Curls

While all hair textures are biologically the same, differences arise in the fiber and follicle shapes. Curly hair begins its journey deep within the scalp, originating from a curved hair bulb.

Keratin Distribution

• The primary reason for the curl is the irregular distribution of keratin along the hair shaft.
• Keratin is a protein that forms the building blocks of hair.
• In straight hair, keratin is evenly distributed.
• In curly hair, the uneven distribution causes the hair to bend and twist, resulting in curls.

Hair Follicle Shape

• The shape of the hair follicle also plays a significant role.
• Curly hair grows from a curved or oval follicle.
• This curvature predisposes the hair to grow in a spiral or wave-like pattern.

Summary

In Simple Terms

Essentially, the combination of a curved follicle and an uneven distribution of keratin along the hair shaft results in the characteristic curls we see. These curls form as the hair grows from the follicle, twisting and bending due to the uneven protein structure.